Point-of-care compliance module

ABSTRACT

A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/753,112 filed on Jan. 16, 2013, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a hygiene compliancemonitoring module for a dispensing container having an actuatabledispensing nozzle. Particularly, the present invention relates to aremovable point-of-care hygiene compliance module that includes anactuator arm that is configured to be placed in operative contact withan actuatable dispensing nozzle of a dispensing container. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a point-of-care hygienecompliance module that counts the number of dispensing nozzle actuationsof a dispensing container as material is dispensed therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, the public has become increasingly concerned with disease andits transmission, and as such, there is an increased awareness of theimportance of cleansing and hygiene in general. For example, withrespect to the transmission of E. coli in the food services industry,the rhinovirus in elementary schools, and nosocomial diseases withinhealthcare facilities, numerous studies have cited hand hygiene as aneffective measure to guard against disease transmission. In response,the healthcare industry, the food services industry, and the hotel andtravel industries have been forced to examine their protocols andprocedures to ensure that their personnel adopt hand-sanitizing habitsthat are efficacious in the prevention of disease transmission.

In response, as an effort to provide sufficient opportunities forindividuals to have access to soap and sanitizers, many institutions andindustries have provided numerous disposable or refillable (reusable)dispensing containers of sanitizer and/or soap to facilitate individualsin their efforts to sanitize and/or wash their hands. While theavailability of such dispensing containers has increased theopportunities for individuals to wash and/or sanitize their hands, thereis still a lack of compliance with predetermined hand-washing hygienestandards. However, to minimize the potential transmission of bacteriaand/or viruses by hand washing and sanitization, full compliance withhygiene standards is required, as the failure of one individual toproperly sanitize his or her hands can negate the efforts of others whocome in contact with such individuals.

Unfortunately, to ensure compliance with predetermined hygienestandards, current hygiene compliance monitoring systems that areconfigured to track hygiene compliance of users require the use of oneor more permanently-installed or mounted soap/sanitizer dispensers.Unfortunately, such permanently-installed dispensers are costly andtypically require specialized training to administrate. Moreover,integrating hygiene compliance monitoring functionality provided by suchpermanently-installed dispensers into each disposable or refillabledispensing container would impart a substantial cost to the manufactureof otherwise inexpensive dispensing containers. Thus, the widespread useof such costly dispensing containers would limit their use, which isunwanted.

Therefore, there is a need for a point-of-care hygiene compliance modulethat is configured to be removably attached to a dispensing container,such as a refillable or disposable dispensing container or otherportable dispensing container. In addition, there is a need for aself-powered point-of-care hygiene compliance module that is capable ofbeing removably attached to the dispensing container. Furthermore, thereis a need for a hygiene compliance module that is capable of beingremovably attached to a dispensing container and that is low-cost anduser-friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is one aspect of the present invention toprovide a hygiene compliance module for a dispensing container.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a hygienecompliance module for a dispensing container that dispenses materialthrough a dispensing nozzle when actuated, the hygiene compliance modulecomprising a housing that is adapted to be attached to the dispensingcontainer; an actuation arm pivotably carried by said housing, saidactuation arm adapted to operatively contact the dispensing nozzle; aswitch carried by said housing, said switch in operative contact withsaid actuation arm, such that said switch is actuated when saidactuation arm is actuated; a controller coupled to said switch; a memoryunit coupled to said controller, said memory unit configured to store acount value that is updated when said switch is actuated; and a displaycoupled to said controller to display said count value, wherein whensaid actuation arm is actuated, it actuates the dispensing nozzle of thedispensing container to dispense material therefrom and actuates saidswitch to update said count value.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a hygienecompliance module for a dispensing container that dispenses materialthrough a dispensing nozzle when actuated, the hygiene compliance modulecomprising a support frame adapted to carry the dispensing containertherein; a housing attached to said support frame; an actuation armpivotably carried by said housing, said actuation arm adapted tooperatively contact the dispensing nozzle; a switch carried by saidhousing, said switch in operative contact with said actuation arm, suchthat said switch is actuated when said actuation arm is actuated; acontroller coupled to said switch; a memory unit coupled to saidcontroller, said memory unit configured to store a count value that isupdated when said switch is actuated; and a display coupled to saidcontroller to display said count value, wherein when said actuation armis actuated, it actuates the dispensing nozzle of the dispensingcontainer to dispense material therefrom and actuates said switch toupdate said count value.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a hygienecompliance module for a dispensing container that dispenses materialthrough a dispensing nozzle when actuated, the hygiene compliance modulecomprising a housing that is adapted to be attached to the dispensingcontainer; an actuation arm pivotably carried by said housing, saidactuation arm adapted to operatively contact the dispensing nozzle; aswitch carried by said housing, said switch in operative contact withsaid actuation arm, such that said switch is actuated when saidactuation arm is actuated; a controller coupled to said switch; a memoryunit coupled to said controller, said memory unit configured to store acount value that is updated when said switch is actuated; and a dataport coupled to said controller, said data port adapted to communicatewith a remote computing device to transfer said count value, whereinwhen said actuation arm is actuated, it actuates the dispensing nozzleof the dispensing container to dispense material therefrom and actuatessaid switch to update said count value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood with regard to the following description andaccompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a point-of-care compliance module foruse with a replaceable dispensing container in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the point-of-care compliance module foruse with a replaceable dispensing container showing a display and dataport in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the point-of-care compliancemodule in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the point-of-care compliance moduleattached to the replaceable dispensing container in accordance with theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the replaceable dispensing container inaccordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative point-of-care compliancemodule attached to the replaceable dispensing container in accordancewith the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electrical components carried by thepoint-of-care compliance module in accordance with the concepts of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the alternative point-of-carecompliance module showing the actuator arm in its normal restingposition in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the alternative point-of-carecompliance module showing the actuator arm in a depressed or actuatedposition, so as to dispense material from the dispensing container inaccordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative point-of-carecompliance module attached to the replaceable dispensing container inaccordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another alternative point-of-carecompliance module attached to a replaceable dispensing container inaccordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of yet another embodiment of apoint-of-care compliance module that is attached to frame that isconfigured to selectively receive a replaceable dispensing container inaccordance with the concepts of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the point-of-care compliancemodule shown in FIG. 11 in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A point-of-care hygiene compliance module for a dispensing container 10is generally referred to by the numeral 20, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 of thedrawings. The dispensing container 10, shown clearly in FIG. 4, includesa hollow body 30 that holds any desired liquid material, such as soap,sanitizer, or moisturizer for example. In one aspect, it should beappreciated that the dispensing container 10 may comprise any suitablecontainer, such as a portable dispensing container that is disposable orrefillable for example, and is configured to stand on a support surface31. Extending from one end of the body 30 is a neck 32 that opens into avoid 34 created by the hollow body 30. A pump assembly 50 is threadablyattached to the neck 32 by a collar 54, so as to enable users to pumpmaterial out of the body 30 and into their hands when actuated. Thecollar 54 includes a base end 55 and an opposed top end 56, whereby anannular collar neck 57 extends from the top end 56 of the collar 54.Extending through the collar neck 57 is a tube 58 that is attached atone end to a nozzle neck 59 provided by a pump or dispensing nozzle 60at one end, while the other end of the tube 58 is configured to be influid communication with the liquid material carried in the void 34 ofthe body 30 of the dispensing container 10.

Specifically, the pump nozzle or dispensing nozzle 60 includes asubstantially planar actuation base 70 from which extends a nozzle end74 that tapers as it extends downward and away from the actuation base70 to a dispensing port 80. As such, the tapered and curved shape of thenozzle end 74 of the dispensing nozzle 60 allows the dispensed materialto be directed downward toward the hands of a user when material isdispensed through the dispensing port 80. Also extending from theactuation base 70 at a substantially right angle is the nozzle neck 59that includes a threaded section 81 that is configured to be threadablyreceived by the collar neck 57 of the collar 54, so as to threadablylock the pump nozzle 60 thereto. To dispense material from thedispensing container 10, the pump nozzle 60 is depressed, forceddownward, or otherwise actuated by pressing the engagement base 70downward, whereupon liquid material is drawn from the tube 58 out of thedispensing container 10 by the pump assembly 50, and is dispensed fromthe dispensing port 80. That is, when the dispensing nozzle 60 isactuated, it moves relative to the collar 54 that is attached to thebody 30.

It should also be appreciated that the body 30 of the dispensingcontainer 10 may be configured to include a shoulder section 90 thatextends radially away from an annular base edge 92 of the neck 32 in asubstantially vertical or at least partially vertical direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the hygiene compliance module 20 comprises ahousing 100 having an outer section 110 and an inner section 120 thatwhen joined together forms a cavity 130 therebetween. The inner section120 includes an inner surface 140 and a substantially opposed outersurface 150 that are bounded by substantially opposed top and bottomedges 160 and 170 and by lateral edges 172 and 174. The outer section110 includes an inner surface 175 and an outer surface 176 that arebounded by top and bottom edges 177 and 178 and by lateral edges 179 and180. Disposed through the inner section 120 of the housing 100 proximateto the top edge 160 is a switch aperture 188. In addition, extendingfrom a point proximate to each lateral edge 172 and 174 of the outersurface 150 of the inner section 120 of the housing 100 are respectiveretention arms 190 and 192. The retention arms 190,192 are dimensioned,shaped, and spaced apart so as to retain the collar 54 of the dispensingcontainer 10 therebetween. That is, the retention arms 190,192 securethe housing 100 of the hygiene compliance module 20 to the dispensingcontainer 10 to enable operation of the hygiene compliance module 20.Alternatively, the retention arms 190,192 may be dimensioned to retainthe body 30 or any other portion of the dispensing container 10therebetween. Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that a portionof the outer surface 150 of the inner section 120 of the housing 100that is proximate to the bottom edge 170 may include a concave or othercontoured section or portion 198. In addition, the contoured section orportion 198 may also include not only the outer surface 150 of the innersection 120, but may include a portion of the of the outer section 110of the housing 100. The contoured section 198 is dimensioned toaccommodate a portion of the shoulder section 90 of the dispensingcontainer 10, allowing the housing 100 of the hygiene compliance module20 to be at least partially supported upon the dispensing container 10,while the retention arms 190,192 serve to hold the hygiene compliancemodule 20 to the dispensing container 10. It is also contemplated that aconcave section 199 may be disposed in the outer surface 150 of theinner section 120 of the housing 100 of the hygiene compliance module 20to accommodate the arcuate profile of the collar 54 of the dispensingcontainer 10.

Attached to the top edge 177 of the outer section 110 of the housing 100is a hinge 200 to which an actuator arm 210 is pivotably carried. Theactuator arm 210 includes an elongated body 220 having an opposed innerand outer surface 230, 240 that is bounded by a bottom edge 250 that isattached to the hinge 200 and a top edge 260 and by contoured lateraledges 262 and 264. In one aspect, the actuator arm 210 is curved to havethe same curvature as the nozzle end 74 of the dispensing container 10.Extending from the inner surface 230 of the actuator arm 210 at a pointthat is proximate the bottom edge 250 is a contact arm 280. The contactarm 280 is configured to be received through the switch aperture 188that is disposed in the inner section 120 of the housing 100 and isconfigured to selectively contact a switch 284 that is carried withinthe mounting cavity 130 of the hygiene compliance module 20. Alsoextending from the inner surface 230 of the actuator arm 210 at a pointproximate to the bottom edge 250 is a pair of spaced guides 300 and 310that are separated at a distance, so as to allow the dispensing nozzle60 of the dispensing container 10 to be received therebetween. In oneaspect, the guides 300,310 may be spaced such that the dispensing nozzle60 is retained therebetween by friction-fit or snap-fit for example.Alternatively, the guides 300,310 may be spaced sufficiently so that thedispensing nozzle 60 of the dispensing container is simply guidedtherebetween without being retained thereto when the actuator arm 210 isin operative contact with the dispensing nozzle 60.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, thehygiene compliance module 20 may be configured so as to replace theretention arms 190,192 with shoulder receivers 320 and 324 respectively.Specifically, the shoulder receivers 320,324 extend from the outersurface 150 of the inner section 120 of the housing 100 of the hygienecompliance module 20 and are spaced apart by a gap 325 that allows thecollar 54 of the dispensing container 10 to pass therethrough. Inaddition, the shoulder receivers 320,324 provide a receiving cavity 326that is dimensioned to receive the shoulder section 90 of the dispensingcontainer 10 therein, thus allowing the housing 100 to be supported uponthe shoulder section 90 and retained to the dispensing container 10.Furthermore, the receiving cavity 326 of the shoulder receivers 320,324may be configured so as to frictionally receive the shoulder section 90of the dispensing container 10, allowing the hygiene compliance module20 to be securely attached to the dispensing container 10, withoutfalling off during operation of the hygiene compliance module 20.

Continuing to FIG. 6, the hygiene compliance module 20 includes amonitoring device 348 that comprises a circuit board 350 carried withinthe cavity 130 of the housing 100. Carried upon the circuit board 350 ofthe monitoring device 348 is a dispenser controller 400 that includesthe necessary hardware and software to carry out the functions of thehygiene compliance module 20 to be discussed. Coupled to the controller400 is the switch 284 that is selectively actuated or triggered by thecontact arm 280 when the actuator arm 210 is actuated in a manner to bediscussed. That is, the switch 284 is carried upon the circuit board 350so that it is in operative communication with the contact arm 280 whenthe actuator arm 210 is actuated. In one aspect, the switch 284 maycomprise any suitable switching device, such as a microswitch forexample.

Coupled to the controller 400 is a memory unit 410 that may comprise anysuitable volatile or non-volatile memory and is configured to store acount value that is updated by the controller 400 each time the switch284 is actuated by the actuator arm 210. It should be appreciated thatthe count value may be used to compute other usage data associated withthe consumption of the material in the dispensing container 10. Alsocoupled to the controller 400 is a data port 420, which may comprise anysuitable wired or wireless communication interface, such as anEthernet-, WIFI-, or BLUETOOTH-based communication interface forexample. Alternatively, the data port 420 may comprise data tag-basedcommunication technology, including NFC or RFID, for example.

As such, any suitable computing system may be interfaced with thecontroller 400 via the data port 420 to perform various functions at thehygiene compliance module 20, including the communication and transfer(i.e. acquiring) of the count value data stored at the memory unit 410.

The hygiene compliance module 20 may also include a display 430, such asan LCD (liquid crystal display) display that is coupled to thecontroller 400. The display 430 is configured to display the count valuethat is stored at the memory unit 410, as well as various other statusinformation associated with the operation of the hygiene compliancemodule 20. It should also be appreciated that the data port 420 and thedisplay 430 may be carried by the housing 100, as shown in FIG. 1B, forthe convenience of the user. Finally, the hygiene compliance module 20is powered by a power source 440, such as an A.C. (alternating current)or D.C. (direct current) power source, provided by a standard electricaloutlet, battery, or photovoltaic cell for example. In one aspect, thepower source may comprise a photovoltaic cell. In another aspect, it iscontemplated that the count value stored at the memory unit 410 may bereset by actuating the actuator arm 210 in a predetermined sequence.

Thus, with the structural components of the hygiene compliance module 20set forth, the following discussion presents the steps for placing thehygiene compliance module 20 into operation. Initially, the housing 100is removably attached to the dispensing container 10 by placing thecollar 54 of the dispensing container 10 between the retention arms 190and 192. In addition, in the case where the housing 100 includes acontoured section 198, the shoulder section 90 of the dispensingcontainer 10 may be at least partially received by the contoured section198. In addition, in the alternative embodiment of the hygienecompliance module 20, where the shoulder retainers 320,324 are used inlieu of the retention arms 190,192, the shoulder section 90 of thedispensing container 10 standing on support surface 31 is receivedwithin the cavity 326, as shown in FIG. 7. Once the hygiene compliancemodule 20 is attached to the dispensing container 10, the actuator arm210 is rotated such that the dispensing nozzle 60 of the dispensingcontainer 10 is disposed between the guides 300,310. It should beappreciated that the dispensing nozzle 60 may be retained between theguides 300,310, as previously discussed. After the actuator arm 210 isdisposed against or otherwise in operative contact with the dispensingnozzle 60 of the dispensing container 10, the user depresses orotherwise forces actuator arm 210 downward, as shown in FIG. 8. Thiscauses the actuator arm 210 to rotate or pivot downward, causing thecontact arm 280 to operatively contact and actuate the switch 284 as thedispensing nozzle 60 simultaneously or nearly simultaneously actuatesthe pump assembly 50 of the dispensing container 10 to dispense materialfrom the nozzle port 80. The actuation of the switch 284 causes thecontroller 400 to update the count value stored at the memory unit 410,that represents the total number of actuations of dispensing nozzle 60that have occurred since the count value was last reset. As previouslydiscussed, it is also contemplated that the count value stored at thememory unit 410 may be reset by actuating the actuator arm 210 in apredetermined sequence or by actuating a reset switch coupled to thecontroller 400.

In another embodiment of the present invention a point of care (POC)hygiene compliance module is generally referred to by the numeral 450,as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. Specifically, the compliance module450 includes a base housing 452 that is configured to rest on anysuitable flat surface, such as a table for example. The base housing 452includes a retainer section 454 that includes a receiving cavity 456that is dimensioned to receive a portion of the body 30 of thedispensing container 10 therein, so as to retain the dispensingcontainer 10 to the base housing 452. Extending from the retainersection 454 is a neck 460 that is terminated at an end 462, whichpivotably carries the actuator arm 210, as previously discussed. Carriedwithin the base housing 452 is the monitoring device 348 as previouslydiscussed, such that the switch 284 is operatively coupled to theactuator arm 210 via contact arm 280. Thus, when the actuator arm 210 isplaced adjacent to the dispensing nozzle 60 and pressed downward, thecontact arm 280 is moved to actuate the switch 284 of the monitoringdevice 348 as the dispensing nozzle 60 is compressed so that materialfrom the dispensing port 80 is dispensed therefrom. Accordingly, theactuation of the switch 284 increments or updates a count value storedat the controller 400, as previously discussed. Furthermore, the countvalue may be presented for viewing on the display 430 or may be acquiredremotely via the data port 420 that is provided by the base housing 452via a wired or wireless connection, as previously discussed.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention a point of carehygiene compliance module is generally referred to by the numeral 500,as shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings. The compliance module 500 includesa housing 510 having a top section 520 that is opposite to a bottomsection 530 and substantially opposed front and rear sections 540,550and substantially opposed lateral sections 560,570 that together definea cavity 580 therein. The hygiene compliance module 500 also includes apair of spaced retention arms 600 and 610 that are dimensioned toreceive and retain therebetween the collar 54 of the dispensingcontainer 10 previously discussed. Specifically, the retention arms600,610 may be curved or otherwise contoured to facilitate their abilityto retain the collar 54. As such, when the collar 54 of the dispensingcontainer 10 is retained between the retention arms 600,610 thecompliance module 500 is fully supported by and retained to thedispensing container 10.

Continuing, the top section 520 includes an outer surface 630 from whichextends a pair of spaced support sections 640,650. Pivotably attachedbetween the support sections 640,650 is an elongated actuator arm 670that includes a top surface 680 that is opposite to a bottom surface 690and that is bounded by a base edge 692 and an outer edge 694. Extendingfrom the bottom surface 90 of the actuator arm 670 is a protrusion 700that is dimensioned to contact the actuation base 70 of the dispensingnozzle 60 of the dispensing container 10.

Carried within the cavity 580 of the housing 510 is the circuit board350 previously discussed with regard to the hygiene compliance module20. As such, the actuator arm 670 includes an actuation tab 584 thatmoves through a tab aperture 586 that is disposed through the housing510. Specifically, the actuation tab 584 is configured to actuate theswitch 284 when the actuator arm 670 pivots or rotates when it isdepressed when it is desired that material be dispensed.

During the operation of the compliance module 500, it is attached to thedispensing container 10, such that the retention arms 600,610 retain thecollar 54 of the dispensing container 10 therebetween. That is, theretention arms 600,610 are configured to frictionally or compressivelyretain the collar 54 of the dispensing container 10 therebetween so asto support and carry the compliance module 500. Next, the actuator arm670 is positioned so that the protrusion 700 is in contact upon theactuation base 70 of the dispensing nozzle 60. Thus, compressing orotherwise forcing the actuator arm 670 downward causes the actuator arm670 to rotate downward as the dispensing nozzle 60 is compressed, and asa result, the switch 284 is actuated to update the count value asmaterial is dispensed from the dispensing port 80 of the dispensingcontainer 10. It should also be appreciated that the housing 510 mayalso include the data port 420 and the display 430, as previouslydiscussed. It should also be appreciated that the housing 510 mayinclude a base in which the dispensing container 10 can sit upon orinside of.

In another embodiment of the present invention a point of care hygienecompliance module is generally referred to by the numeral 700, as shownin FIGS. 11-12 of the drawings. Specifically, the hygiene compliancemodule 700 includes a housing 710 that includes one or more attachmentclips or tabs 720 and an actuator arm 210 that is pivotably attachedthereto. The housing 710 carries the monitoring device 348 such that theactuator arm 210 is operatively coupled to the switch 284 via thecontact arm 280 that is carried by the actuator arm 210. The housing 710is configured to be selectively attached to a support frame 760, such asa wire frame, via the one or more attachment clips or tabs 720.Specifically, the frame 760 includes retaining arms 764 and 766 thatserve to form a receiving aperture 770 therebetween that is configuredto receive the body 30 of the dispensing container 10 therein. Extendingsubstantially vertically from the retaining arms 764,766 are one or moresupport arms 780 that are provided to allow the housing 700 to beselectively attached thereto via the one or more attachment clips ortabs 720.

Thus, to place the compliance module 700 into operation, the housing 710is attached to the one or more support arms 780 of the support frame 760via the one or more attachment clips or tabs 720. Once the housing 710of the compliance module 700 is attached to the support frame 760, thedispensing container 10 is placed within the receiving aperture 770where it is held in place by the retaining arms 764,766. Next, theactuator arm 210 is moved so that it is in operative contact with thedispensing nozzle 60, such that when the actuator arm 210 is depressed,the dispensing nozzle 60 is compressed, and material is dispensed fromthe dispensing port 80. In addition, the movement of the actuator arm210 also causes the switch 284 to be actuated or triggered via thecontact arm 280, so as to increment or otherwise update a count valuestored at the controller 400. In addition, the count value may bepresented upon the display 430 and may be accessed by a remote computingdevice via the data port 420 through a wired or wireless connection.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that one advantage of one or moreembodiments of the present invention is that a point-of-care compliancemodule can be removably attached to a disposable or refillabledispensing container that carries any desired liquid material, such assoap, sanitizer, or moisturizer, for example. Another advantage of thepresent invention is that a point-of-care compliance module is able tobe quickly and readily attached to a dispensing container without theuse of tools. Still another advantage of the present invention is that apoint-of-care compliance module for a dispensing container can bemanufactured with low cost. Yet another advantage of the presentinvention is that a point-of-care compliance module is configured sothat it can be attached to dispensing containers of various shapes andsizes. An additional advantage of the present invention is that apoint-of-care compliance module utilizes a pivoting actuator arm that isconfigured to operatively contact a pump nozzle of a dispensingcontainer and to update a count value when the pump nozzle is actuatedas material is dispensed therefrom.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have beensatisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. Whilein accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferredembodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of theinvention, reference should be made to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hygiene compliance module for a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated, the hygiene compliance module comprising: a housing that is adapted to be removably attached to and carried upon the dispensing container, such that the dispensing container supports the entire weight of said housing; an actuation arm pivotably carried by said housing, said actuation arm adapted to operatively contact the dispensing nozzle; a switch carried by said housing, said switch in operative contact with said actuation arm, such that said switch is actuated when said actuation arm is actuated; a controller coupled to said switch; a memory unit coupled to said controller, said memory unit configured to store a count value that is updated when said switch is actuated; and a display coupled to said controller to display said count value; wherein when said actuation arm is actuated, it actuates the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container to dispense material therefrom and actuates said switch to update said count value.
 2. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to receive the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.
 3. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to removably retain the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.
 4. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a first retention arm and a second retention arm, said first and second retention arms being spaced apart and adapted to removably retain the dispensing container therebetween.
 5. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a first receiver and a second receiver that are spaced apart and adapted to receive the body of the dispensing container therein.
 6. The hygiene compliance module of claim 1, further comprising a data port coupled to said controller, said data port adapted to communicate with a remote computing device to transfer said count value.
 7. A hygiene compliance module for a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated, the hygiene compliance module comprising: a housing that is adapted to be removably attached to and carried upon the dispensing container, such that the dispensing container supports the entire weight of said housing; an actuation arm pivotably carried by said housing, said actuation arm adapted to operatively contact the dispensing nozzle; a switch carried by said housing, said switch in operative contact with said actuation arm, such that said switch is actuated when said actuation arm is actuated; a controller coupled to said switch; a memory unit coupled to said controller, said memory unit configured to store a count value that is updated when said switch is actuated; and a data port coupled to said controller, said data port adapted to communicate with a remote computing device to transfer said count value; wherein when said actuation arm is actuated it actuates the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container to dispense material therefrom, and actuates said switch to update said count value.
 8. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to receive the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.
 9. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said actuation arm includes a first guide and a second guide, said first and second guides being spaced apart so as to removably retain the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing container therebetween.
 10. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said housing includes a first retention arm and a second retention arm, said first and second retention arms being spaced apart and adapted to removably retain the dispensing container therebetween.
 11. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said housing includes a first receiver and a second receiver that are spaced apart and adapted to receive the body of the dispensing container therein.
 12. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, wherein said housing comprises a base having a receiving cavity that is adapted to receive the body of the dispensing container therein.
 13. The hygiene compliance module of claim 7, further comprising a display coupled to said controller to display said count value. 